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Consort Chen felt extremely pleased. She had heard that the Exotic Princess had a deep affection for the Emperor, but she never expected to see her openly displaying jealousy here. Moreover, the jealousy was directly aimed at the Enchantress, with sharp and bitter words clearly implying that she was unworthy of being a consort. The public humiliation was truly satisfying.
After exchanging meaningful glances with the other concubines beside her, she quietly laughed as she watched the situation unfold.
Being mocked for her shabby attire didn't bother Mei Shuang much. She was genuinely surprised when Xiao Luo mentioned the Empress of the Great Qin Empire, but she never anticipated that this woman named Princess Ziqing would stir up trouble and direct it at her.
Clearly, she noticed that Xiao Luo's expression seemed to change slightly. Indeed, she wasn't wearing any elaborate clothing tonight; it wasn't a big deal, and Xiao Luo hadn't blamed her. However, this meddlesome princess chose to bring up her humble clothing, indirectly slapping Xiao Luo in the face. How could Xiao Luo not be angry? If he got upset, wouldn't it be her who suffered as a result?
What a troublesome princess! Mei Shuang sighed inwardly. She had intended to be an invisible person just accompanying dinner tonight, but unexpectedly found herself in such a predicament.
Mei Shuang stood up, her gaze sweeping over the smirking concubines beside her. She smiled slightly at the provocatively smiling Princess Ziqing across from her and said, "Excuse me, let me introduce myself. My name is Lin Yuxiang. Regarding this matter with Princess Ziqing, I believe I can provide some clarification."
Everyone's attention was immediately drawn to see how this composed woman would address such a tricky issue.
Lin Yuxiang?
Upon hearing Mei Shuang introduce herself, the concubines exchanged puzzled glances.
"Princess Ziqing, you are mistaken. I think you may not have heard the Emperor's question clearly just now. The Emperor merely asked if you have seen the Empress of the Great Qin Empire; he did not say that I am the Empress of the Great Qin Empire. How can you assume that I am the Empress? You didn't listen carefully to the question but insisted on linking me to the Empress and disrespecting the Emperor in doing so. This is truly a reflection of poor upbringing..."
As soon as Mei Shuang finished speaking, gasps filled the room. First of all, she spoke in Eastern Language with moderate and fluent speed. Secondly, everyone saw Princess Ziqing's face shift from surprise and confusion to suddenly turning bright red with anger; however, there was no way for her to refute Mei Shuang's words.
By the time Mei Shuang sat down, Shijieyu had already relayed everything Mei Shuang said into Xiao Luo's ear, and he remained noncommittal.
Meanwhile, Anriyan across from Mei Shuang looked at her with increasingly profound eyes.
With just one glance, Mei Shuang suddenly became alert. Damn it, she had only intended to explain herself and then scold the other party, which was why she had used Eastern Language. The goal was to save face in front of the courtiers of the Great Qin Empire, but she hadn't expected that her use of Eastern Language would expose her.
Mei Shuang felt a wave of panic inside; she couldn't help but blame herself for being so impatient. How could she have forgotten that her potential enemy was sitting right across from her?
Anriyan stood up and sincerely apologized to Emperor Xiao Luo of the Great Qin Empire. Of course, most people didn't know what Mei Shuang had said, but seeing Princess Ziqing so furious without pursuing the matter further only added to their confusion about who this woman was and what she had said.
To ease the atmosphere, Silk and Bamboo Music filled the air as the palace musicians dressed in light gauze danced gracefully. In particular, one woman descended from above the hall like a celestial maiden from the heavens, drawing applause from everyone present.
Mei Shuang had no mood to watch; taking advantage of everyone being engrossed in the music and dance, she quietly stood up and slipped away.
Once outside Changqing Hall, it felt as if the sounds of silk and bamboo were left behind. Mei Shuang let out a soft sigh, gazing into the distance where the clear breeze and bright moon offered a refreshing sight.
After walking along the outside of the hall for a while, she turned around a rockery and nearly collided with a man in front of her.
Mei Shuang gasped and quickly stepped back. Upon recognizing him, she sighed at their unfortunate encounter.
She tried to pretend not to see him and turned to walk back, but heard a polite call from behind, "Miss Lin, please wait."
Mei Shuang's body stiffened; she stopped but did not turn around. Her tone was cold as she replied, "May I ask what you want?"
After a moment, Anriyan had already circled around to stand in front of Mei Shuang. "Miss Lin, we have clearly met before. Why are you pretending not to recognize me?"
"Is that so?" Mei Shuang raised her eyes and pretended to examine him seriously. "That's impossible; I rarely go out. Otherwise, how could I have no impression at all?"
If it were someone else, Anriyan might have believed that their brief encounter had gone unnoticed by her. However, this woman clearly conveyed through her gaze that she recognized him but simply did not wish to engage with him.
"Oh, well," Anriyan suddenly leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, "Miss Lin, I still remember in Miaochun Tower, if you enter the room that was originally arranged for you, I believe you will see me..."
Mei Shuang was quite wary of Anriyan leaning forward, her body instinctively retreating. The next moment, however, she was stunned by his words, her black-and-white eyes filled with shock and disbelief. "What?!"
No wonder Lin Tian'er insisted that the person that day claimed to know her; no wonder she couldn't recall who it was after describing him for so long—it turned out to be him!
Mei Shuang felt a rush of confusion. Could it be that the first arrangement Madam made for her was with this man? But why did it suddenly change later? According to Lin Tian'er's description, this man seemed very eager for her to come; otherwise, why didn't he take action against Lin Tian'er?
After a moment of confusion, Mei Shuang broke into a cold sweat. It seemed that not only did he know her, but he had also been remembering her all along. This is complicated! Did he also know that she was the sister whom their accomplice Mei Ru wanted to get rid of? Now that Mei Ru was in trouble, their purpose for coming here was to exchange for Mei Ru. If they got involved with her as well, it would truly be a loss.
After a moment of daze, Mei Shuang regained her composure, straightened up, wiped the shock off her face, and said nonchalantly while looking into his deep and dark eyes, "Your Highness the Envoy must have had too much to drink and mistaken me for someone else. I—I have never heard of that place..."
After speaking, Mei Shuang bypassed Anriyan. Just as she took a few steps away, she heard Anriyan say, "We will meet again soon..."
Mei Shuang bit back her words and quickened her pace to leave, cursing inwardly about wanting to meet him again!
Watching Mei Shuang's graceful figure drift away, Anriyan's lips curled into a playful smile.
He then left from another direction.
After both had departed, Consort Chen, who had followed Mei Shuang out, stood at a distance with a thoughtful expression. She had vaguely heard part of their conversation earlier; although she didn't understand its meaning fully, Anriyan's behavior appeared to her as a foreigner making advances on a palace concubine. Of course, it wasn't just one person's affair—didn't she hear the last line? They were supposed to meet again.
Well then, no matter who you are—whether it's the previous Mei Shuang or Lin Yuxiang—you seductive vixen cannot change your lewd nature; you immediately attract men as soon as you step outside. Consort Chen sneered slightly and decided she must inform the Emperor.
When Mei Shuang hurried back to her seat, she found the grand hall still filled with singing and dancing; amidst the bustling atmosphere, it was lively. However, even though she had left first, Anriyan was seated there drinking with Xiao Luo.
Looking at Xiao Luo's expression, warm as usual, Mei Shuang felt relieved. Just as she sat down, she noticed Consort Chen gracefully returning to her seat. After sitting down, Consort Chen surprisingly raised her wine cup towards Mei Shuang, her gentle voice reminiscent of an old friend, "I toast to Sister Lin with a cup of wine."
Sister Lin? Mei Shuang was not accustomed to this title. However, not wanting to offend someone who was smiling at her, she reluctantly raised her wine cup in response, smiled at Consort Chen, and drank it down as a form of courtesy.
Seated in the most honored position, yet seemingly without the corresponding treatment, the Emperor did not specifically introduce her. He ambiguously referred to her as Empress, but she herself denied it, which truly puzzled everyone present. The court officials, including the envoys from Yamataikoku, were still curious about this beautiful woman.
Fortunately, after Consort Chen's toast, no one else disturbed her, and Anriyan also seemed to have lost interest in her. Mei Shuang finally found some peace; however, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was an unspoken depth in Consort Chen's gaze when she toasted her.
Although the atmosphere was lively, it did not affect Mei Shuang. She felt as if her eyelids were twitching.
The weather was hot, and everyone who had been drinking began to sweat. Therefore, bowls of refreshing soup were served one after another. It was the first time for everyone present to taste Sour Plum Soup, and they all praised its flavor.
The consorts found it particularly delicious and eagerly requested the maidservants to bring them more.
Consort Chen instructed the maidservants, "Go to the Imperial Kitchen and see if there is any left. If there is, prepare more for me."
When the maidservants returned saying there was none left, Consort Chen felt disappointed and turned to Xiao Luo with a pout. "Your Majesty, I thought this soup was excellent. Could you ask the Imperial Kitchen to make some more?"
Xiao Luo pointed at Mei Shuang. "She has some in her palace; let her share some with you."
Consort Chen felt a pang of bitterness in her heart. So everything that wasn't consumed here had been sent to her palace? How infuriating!
Mei Shuang was speechless. Glancing at Consort Chen's sulky expression, she forced a smile. The Emperor had certainly retaliated by directing the fire towards her.
She leaned slightly closer to Consort Chen and whispered, "I do have a jar in my palace, but it surely won't be as good as what comes from the Imperial Kitchen. If you want some, I can let you taste it."
Consort Chen's face turned pale, and she said angrily, "Then don't bother!"
You were rewarded by the Emperor, yet you handed it over to me. Damn it, doesn't that make me lose face?
Forget it, Mei Shuang was too lazy to explain; she wouldn't even want to give it to you.
Unexpectedly, by the time the banquet ended, Consort Chen, for some unknown reason, turned to Mei Shuang and said, "If there is any left, bring a jar to this palace."
Mei Shuang couldn't stand such an imperious attitude, but she didn't want to argue with someone like that. If she had to send a jar, so be it; not sending one would make her seem petty.
After returning home, Mei Shuang had her maid deliver a jar to Consort Chen overnight. She and Lin Tian'er only had one jar of their labor left.
Lying in bed, Mei Shuang couldn't sleep again. The appearance of Anriyan made her feel more and more that she couldn't stay in the palace for long. After all, although being near the Emperor seemed safer, it wasn't a long-term solution. No matter how big the palace was, it was still small; no matter how small the outside world was, it was still vast. The key was to be untraceable.
After tossing and turning all night, Mei Shuang finally fell asleep in a daze. Early in the morning, however, she heard her maid frantically delivering bad news: "It's terrible! Consort Chen drank the Sour Plum Soup sent by Miss last night and has been vomiting and having diarrhea all night. She has already reported it to the Emperor this morning..."
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